A Foreign Mission from the National Struggle to the Republic: The Paris Representation

Yıl 2023, Cilt: 28 Sayı: 1, 101 - 127, 11.07.2023

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Öz

Turkish-French relations started to improve after the signing of the Ankara Accord of October 20, 1921. Taking a new step in this political environment, the Ankara government decided to open a representation in Paris. Ferid Bey, an important politician of the period, was appointed to this position. However, he was recalled to Ankara in early 1923 following an incident with the French delegation in a meeting at the Lausanne Conference, to which he had been invited to assist. No new appointment was made after Ferid Bey’s return to Ankara. Hüseyin Ragıp Bey, who was brought in charge of the Paris Representation, acted as the representative by proxy. Eventually, the Paris Representation was elevated to the level of ambassadorship and Cevad Bey, an experienced diplomat, was appointed as ambassador. By analyzing archival documents, periodicals and copyrighted works, this article examines the establishment and activities of the Paris Representation, which has a special place in the history of Turkish diplomacy, for the first time and in a comprehensive manner.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Paris representation, Turkish-French relations, Ferid Bey, Hüseyin Ragıp Bey, Cevad Bey